F1 Chinese GP: F1 gets confirmation of qualifying format change

The World Motor Sport Council has given Formula 1 confirmation to revert back to the 2015 qualifying format for the remainder of the season

The World Motor Sport Council has given Formula 1 confirmation to revert back to the 2015 qualifying format for the remainder of the season after it was voted through.

After widespread frustration at the new-for-2016 knockout qualifying format in Australia the F1 rule-makers opted to give it a second chance in Bahrain but with similar disapproval by fans, drivers and teams the decision to revert to last year's format has been confirmed.

FIA President Jean Todt and F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone accepted a unanimous request from F1 teams to return to the 2015 format in the interests of the sport which has been approved by the F1 Commission and the World Motor Sport Council.

The previous format, where the slowest six cars are eliminated at the end of the first two qualifying sessions before a final ten-car shootout for pole position in Q3, will return for this weekend's Chinese Grand Prix and remain indefinitely.

The F1 rule-makers will continue to seek new sporting and technical regulations for the 2017 season, with a deadline set for 30th April.